Rising UV Risks: How Climate Change May Be Changing Our Sun Exposure
By Beth Rush
You’ve probably noticed more warnings about protecting your skin in recent years. Still, it’s not just because dermatologists are being extra cautious — there’s growing evidence that climate change increases UV exposure and may alter how radiation reaches you.
How Does Climate Change Increase UV Exposure?
While climate change raises temperatures and shifts weather patterns, it also affects how sunlight reaches the Earth. The ozone layer, which acts as a natural shield against UV radiation, has shown some recovery thanks to global agreements like the Montreal Protocol.
Still, rising greenhouse gases could change how ozone behaves in the atmosphere. Understanding how air quality influences UV exposure is essential for people living in urban areas or regions prone to wildfires.
Air pollution also complicates things. Some pollutants block UV rays, but others contribute to ozone depletion or create conditions that allow more radiation through. This means that climate change and air quality work together in ways that could directly influence your daily sun exposure.
Wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, can exacerbate the situation. While smoke can block sunlight and lower UV levels temporarily, it releases chemicals that damage the atmosphere in the long run. This creates a cycle where short-term shielding may be outweighed by long-term harm.
Changing Environmental Factors
Clouds, ice, and even the ground beneath your feet all affect how UV radiation interacts with the Earth.
> Clouds: While thick clouds can block a portion of UV radiation, scattered or thin clouds often magnify it, and it can still penetrate through. This creates a “sunburn surprise” effect, where you may feel cooler under cloud cover but still absorb damaging rays.
> Melting ice and snow: White surfaces like snow and ice reflect sunlight. With climate change driving rapid melting, less light gets reflected back into space. Instead, the land and oceans absorb it, and so do you if you’re outdoors.
> Surface effects: Water, sand, and concrete all reflect UV radiation upward. This means your exposure isn’t just coming from above — it can also bounce at you from the ground.
Put together, these factors suggest that UV risks are rising in ways people didn’t account for in the past.
Health Risks of Higher UV Exposure
UV radiation damages the skin at a cellular level. Over time, this leads to:
> Skin cancer: UV exposure is the main cause of melanoma and other skin cancers.
> Premature aging: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles, spots and sagging skin.
> Eye damage: Cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision problems have strong links to UV exposure.
> Immune suppression: Research shows that too much UV can weaken the immune system, reducing your ability to fight certain cancers.
How to Protect Yourself
Even if UV exposure is rising, you can take steps to protect yourself. These measures can reduce your risk of serious health problems in the future.
Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes are just as vulnerable as your skin. UV rays can cause lasting damage to the cornea and lens, leading to cataracts and other eye issues. Look for sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection. Polarized lenses are even better because they reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, glass, snow or pavement, making them ideal if you spend time outdoors.
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Climate change increases UV exposure, so sunscreen is no longer just for beach days. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even if you spot clouds in the sky. Weather can change quickly, and it’s better to be prepared. Reapply every two hours or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Cover Up With Clothing
Clothing is a simple and effective barrier. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats can block a large portion of UV rays. For extra protection, choose clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating, which is designed to shield you more efficiently.
Check the UV Index Daily
Many weather apps and forecasts now include a UV index rating. This number tells you how strong the UV radiation is on a particular day. A high index means you should take extra precautions, like limiting your time outside during peak hours. Treat it like you would a weather warning.
Seek Shade
Shade reduces exposure, but it’s not foolproof. UV rays can reflect off nearby surfaces or pass through thin materials. If you’re under an umbrella at the beach or a tree in the park, still use other protective measures like sunscreen and sunglasses.
Climate Change Increases UV Exposure
Evidence suggests that climate change is already affecting how much UV radiation reaches us, and the risks are likely to grow. While we may not yet know the full scale, the effects are increasingly evident. That means taking precautions today is more critical than ever.
About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!